Brooks Eyehttps://www.brookseyemd.com Tue, 27 Aug 2019 22:35:43 +0000en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.2.3Glaucoma Awareness/ Tips to Preserve Your Visionhttps://www.brookseyemd.com/glaucoma-awareness-tips-to-preserve-your-vision/ https://www.brookseyemd.com/glaucoma-awareness-tips-to-preserve-your-vision/#respondThu, 15 Aug 2019 14:03:01 +0000https://www.brookseyemd.com/?p=2972More than 2 million people in the United States suffer from glaucoma, and through the years, this number will continue to increase considerably. Unfortunately, this disease is symptomless and unpreventable. During the month of August, the doctors and staff at Brooks Eye Associates want to go over a few tips to help preserve your vision […]

]]>More than 2 million people in the United States suffer from glaucoma, and through the years, this number will continue to increase considerably. Unfortunately, this disease is symptomless and unpreventable. During the month of August, the doctors and staff at Brooks Eye Associates want to go over a few tips to help preserve your vision from glaucoma.

Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the internal pressure of your eye rises to the point that the optic nerve is damaged. It is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. The exact cause of glaucoma is unknown. If for any reason, the normal balance of fluid produced and draining from inside the eye is disrupted, then fluid pressure can increase within the eye. This pressure can easily damage the nerve fibers and blood vessels in the optic nerve. An injury, infection, or tumor in or around the eye can also cause the pressure to rise.

5 TIPS TO PRESERVE YOUR VISION:

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam. At Brooks Eye Associates, our doctors recommend that all patients over 50 years of age who have no previous family history of Glaucoma or other general health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, be evaluated for Glaucoma.

Pay attention to your risk factors. Anyone can develop glaucoma, but some people are more likely to get it. For patients who are African American or have a family history of Glaucoma, we recommend patients be evaluated for Glaucoma every year beginning at age 40. Risk factors may also include a family history of glaucoma, previous eye injuries/surgeries, and diabetes or high blood pressure.

Exercise. A regular project of moderate exercise will benefit your overall health, and studies have shown that walking or jogging three or more times per week can have a lowering effect on your internal eye pressure.

Eye protection. Preventing eye injuries that can cause glaucoma is an important preservation method. Be sure to wear protective eyewear.

Healthy eating. Essential nutrients for your eyesight include lutein and zeaxanthin, which are found in green, leafy vegetables and egg yolks. Berries and foods that contain omega-3’s are also very beneficial to your eye health.

At Brooks Eye Associates, we are passionate about helping you enjoy a lifetime of the best possible vision through protection, preservation, and restoration of your precious gift of sight. If you do not have a primary eye care provider (optometrist), please give us a call at (972) 737.1181 to schedule your evaluation today!

]]>https://www.brookseyemd.com/glaucoma-awareness-tips-to-preserve-your-vision/feed/0July is UV Safety Monthhttps://www.brookseyemd.com/july-is-uv-safety-month-2/ https://www.brookseyemd.com/july-is-uv-safety-month-2/#respondTue, 02 Jul 2019 15:48:25 +0000https://www.brookseyemd.com/?p=2440At Brooks Eye Associates, your best vision is our top priority, and we want to remind you and your family of the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in preventing vision loss from cataracts. July is UV Safety Month, so we’re encouraging everyone to protect your eyes while out in the sun and to schedule […]

At Brooks Eye Associates, your best vision is our top priority, and we want to remind you and your family of the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in preventing vision loss from cataracts.

July is UV Safety Month, so we’re encouraging everyone to protect your eyes while out in the sun and to schedule a comprehensive dilated eye evaluation with your primary eye care doctor. By doing so, your optometrist will be able to thoroughly evaluate and analyze your visual system for common age-related disease and potential loss from cataracts and other refractive issues.

Being out in the sun is fun; however, long-term exposure to bright light may increase the risk of cataracts and growths on the eye, including cancer. When UV rays hit the sand or water, they are reflected and can cause the eyes to sunburn – a symptom called photokeratitis.

Similar to sunburn on your skin, UV rays can cause inflammation to your eyes (cornea). This “sunburn” of the eyes can cause symptoms such as temporary blindness, pain in the eyes, redness, blurry vision, and sensitivity to bright light.

The good news is that photokeratitis typically isn’t permanent, and the discomfort can usually be treated by over-the-counter eye drops, antibiotic eye drops, or ointment recommended by an ophthalmologist.

Although this symptom of extended sun exposure is treatable, Brooks Eye Associates recommends that you protect your eyes every day with the regular use of UV-blocking sunglasses.

At Brooks Eye Associates, we are passionate about helping you enjoy a lifetime of the best possible vision through protection, preservation, and restoration of your precious gift of sight. If you do not have a primary eye care provider (optometrist), we have set aside times throughout the month for you to come in for a comprehensive evaluation. By being aware of your eye health and getting regular eye exams, you and your eye doctor will be able to understand better when cataract development or other issues pose a risk to you or your loved ones.

If your vision has been of concern lately, we want to help you! Please call our office today at (972) 403-1110 to schedule your evaluation or visit your local optometrist to protect your vision during UV Safety Month – because your best vision is our Top Priority!

]]>https://www.brookseyemd.com/july-is-uv-safety-month-2/feed/0Cataract Awareness Monthhttps://www.brookseyemd.com/cataract-awareness-month/ https://www.brookseyemd.com/cataract-awareness-month/#respondThu, 13 Jun 2019 13:37:27 +0000https://www.brookseyemd.com/?p=2403In association with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the doctors and staff of Brooks Eye Associates want to remind you and your family of the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in preventing vision loss from cataracts. June is National Cataract Awareness Month, so we’re encouraging everyone age 60 and above to schedule a comprehensive […]

]]>In association with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the doctors and staff of Brooks Eye Associates want to remind you and your family of the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in preventing vision loss from cataracts.

June is National Cataract Awareness Month, so we’re encouraging everyone age 60 and above to schedule a comprehensive dilated eye evaluation with your primary eye care doctor. By doing so, your trusted optometrist will be able to thoroughly evaluate your ocular system for common age-related eye disease and potential vision loss from cataracts. Annual cataract evaluations – and even 2nd opinions for cataracts – are covered under Medicare and most insurance providers.

There are several types of cataracts – congenital, traumatic and diabetes-related – that cause the natural lens in our eyes to become progressively opaque, resulting in blurred vision. However, the most common form of cataracts is simply the normal, age-related cataract that is part of our body’s natural aging process. Just like the aging and thickening of our toenails and fingernails – and the natural graying of our hair – the natural lenses in our eyes age as well.

Symptoms of cataract development are relatively non-existent until the clumps of certain proteins have grown large enough to interfere significantly with the passage of light through our natural lenses. Once developed, common symptoms include, but are not limited to the following:

– Cloudy or blurred vision

– Double vision

– Faded colors

– Increased sensitivity to glare

The good news is that by being aware of your eye health and getting regular eye exams, you and your eye doctor will be able to better understand when cataract development is posing a risk to you. For many people, this risk starts when patients feel they have lost their confidence to drive at night or perform their normal daily activities.

At Brooks Eye Associates, we are passionate about helping you enjoy a lifetime of the best possible vision through protection, preservation, and restoration of your precious gift of sight. If you do not have a primary eye care provider (optometrist), we have set aside times throughout the month for patients to come in for a comprehensive cataract evaluation.

If your vision just isn’t as clear and sharp as it used to be, please call our office today at (972) 403-1110 to schedule your evaluation or visit your local optometrist to protect your vision during National Cataract Awareness Month!

]]>https://www.brookseyemd.com/cataract-awareness-month/feed/0May is Healthy Vision Monthhttps://www.brookseyemd.com/may-is-healthy-vision-month/ https://www.brookseyemd.com/may-is-healthy-vision-month/#respondMon, 29 Apr 2019 15:30:22 +0000https://www.brookseyemd.com/?p=2101In association with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the doctors and staff of Brooks Eye Associates want to remind you and your family the importance of scheduling and attending annual eye exams to attend to and become more aware of your current eye health. May is Healthy Vision Month, so we’re encouraging everyone of all […]

]]>In association with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the doctors and staff of Brooks Eye Associates want to remind you and your family the importance of scheduling and attending annual eye exams to attend to and become more aware of your current eye health. May is Healthy Vision Month, so we’re encouraging everyone of all ages and backgrounds, to schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam. By doing so, your physicians will be able to check for common eye problems/diseases and be able to determine if you have a need for contacts or glasses.

We all know it’s very common for older adults to have more vision problems, but in fact, many preschoolers are saying they can’t see as well as adults can. It’s recommended that children, ages 3-5, be screened early for eye conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye), for it to be treated effectively. In addition to children’s eye diseases, the most common eye conditions which can cause vision loss or even blindness in older adults includes cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. Other eye conditions such as refractive errors can be corrected with the use of glasses, contact lenses, or laser surgery.

The good news is that by being aware of your family’s eye health and getting regular comprehensive dilated eye exams, you will be able to stay on top of your eye health to determine whether any of these diseases or refractive errors pose a risk to you or your family. Furthermore, overall health plays a key factor in our overall eye health. Eating right, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying away from cigarettes/smoking, will be beneficial to your overall health. As well as wearing protective eyewear when playing sports or doing activities in and around the home, wearing sunglasses that block 99 – 100% of UVA/UVB light, and washing your hands before taking out your contacts. While some of these things might come as second nature, many don’t recognize the importance of scheduling comprehensive eye exams! By scheduling an eye exam with your local ophthalmologist, he/she will be able to detect and address any kind of vision issue, disease or potential cause of blindness.

At Brooks Eye Associates, we are advocates for staying active and healthy – especially when it comes to the health of our eyes! That’s why we are proud to announce that we have set aside times throughout the month for patients to come in for a comprehensive exam. Comprehensive evaluations are covered under most insurance plans, so save your vision through early diagnosis and treatment. Call our offices today at (972) 403-1110 to schedule your evaluation!

]]>https://www.brookseyemd.com/may-is-healthy-vision-month/feed/0Schedule your annual eye exams this April!https://www.brookseyemd.com/schedule-your-annual-eye-exams-this-april/ https://www.brookseyemd.com/schedule-your-annual-eye-exams-this-april/#respondTue, 02 Apr 2019 16:11:56 +0000https://www.brookseyemd.com/?p=2070In association with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the doctors and staff of Brooks Eye Associates want to remind you and your family of the importance of scheduling annual eye exams. April is a time for spring flowers, gardening and being outside. So, we’re encouraging those who enjoy working on home improvement projects and outdoor […]

]]>In association with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the doctors and staff of Brooks Eye Associates want to remind you and your family of the importance of scheduling annual eye exams.

April is a time for spring flowers, gardening and being outside. So, we’re encouraging those who enjoy working on home improvement projects and outdoor activities, like gardening, to protect their eyes while engaging in these tasks. Each year, thousands of eye injuries occur while at home. The good news is that most of these are preventable!

While gardening is a relaxing and fun way to spend time outside, it’s important to be aware of the hazards associated with it.

1) Poisonous Plants: Protect your eyes from plants such as Euphorbia, which can shoot a poisonous spray into the eyes.

2) Pollen: This is something we know all too well come spring-time. If pollen gets in your eyes, it can cause irritation and could possibly be poisonous to the eyes.

3) Gardening Chemicals: Please be careful when handling chemicals, of any kind, as these can cause serious damage to the eyes and skin as well as cause illness if ingested.

4) Sun Damage: Wear those sunglasses! Direct sun rays can lead to eye diseases and even permanent loss of eyesight.

5) Gardening Tools & Flying Debris: The machines we use to help us in our outdoor maintenance often fling debris up that can get into our eyes. These foreign bodies (substances such as dirt, grass, soil, insects, etc.) can cause irritation to our eyes.

As a means to protect your eyes while engaging in these activities, it’s very important to invest in durable, comfortable and easily cleaned safety glasses/goggles. We recommend that if you have sustained any type of eye injury that you schedule a quick and reliable eye evaluation to ensure that no harm was done. By scheduling an exam with your local eye doctor, he/she will be able to detect and address any kind of vision issue, disease or potential cause of blindness.

At Brooks Eye Associates we are aware of the risks associated with outdoor activities and home improvement updates. That’s why we are proud to announce that we have set aside times throughout the month for patients to come in for a comprehensive exam and to discuss recommendations to be proactive about eye injuries incurred during outdoor activities. Comprehensive evaluations are covered under most insurance plans, so save your vision through early diagnosis and treatment. Call our offices today at (972) 403-1110 to schedule your evaluation!

]]>https://www.brookseyemd.com/schedule-your-annual-eye-exams-this-april/feed/0Brooks Eye Associates Welcomes Dr. Paul Sietmannhttps://www.brookseyemd.com/brooks-eye-associates-welcomes-dr-paul-sietmann/ https://www.brookseyemd.com/brooks-eye-associates-welcomes-dr-paul-sietmann/#respondThu, 07 Mar 2019 23:13:53 +0000https://www.brookseyemd.com/?p=2066It is with great excitement that we proudly announce a new member of the Brooks Eye Associates care team! Dr. Paul Sietmann, a board-certified optometrist, joined our staff March 1 and will serve as a primary care provider for the practice. Dr. Sietmann will use his vast experience as a therapeutic glaucoma specialist to enhance […]

]]>It is with great excitement that we proudly announce a new member of the Brooks Eye Associates care team! Dr. Paul Sietmann, a board-certified optometrist, joined our staff March 1 and will serve as a primary care provider for the practice. Dr. Sietmann will use his vast experience as a therapeutic glaucoma specialist to enhance our patient care for glaucoma patients. He was with a glaucoma specialist practice for more than 10 years. In addition, he will work shoulder-to-shoulder with Dr. Dain Brooks on patient pre- and post-operative cataract care and general eye disease management.

Dr. Sietmann received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Iowa. He then went on to complete his Doctor of Optometry degree at The Illinois College of Optometry before moving to North Texas to begin his professional career. The Marshalltown, Iowa native has resided in North Texas since 1987 and has held various optometric positions in our community since then. In his spare time, Dr. Paul, as his patients call him, enjoys spending time with his family, following his Iowa Hawkeye athletic teams, and volunteering at his local church.

]]>https://www.brookseyemd.com/brooks-eye-associates-welcomes-dr-paul-sietmann/feed/0February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Monthhttps://www.brookseyemd.com/february-is-age-related-macular-degeneration-month/ https://www.brookseyemd.com/february-is-age-related-macular-degeneration-month/#respondWed, 30 Jan 2019 16:46:30 +0000https://www.brookseyemd.com/?p=2038In association with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the doctors and staff of Brooks Eye Associates want to remind you and your family the importance of scheduling and attending annual eye exams to detect and prevent blindness from Age-Related Macular Degeneration. February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Month, so we’re encouraging all those over age 60, […]

]]>In association with the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the doctors and staff of Brooks Eye Associates want to remind you and your family the importance of scheduling and attending annual eye exams to detect and prevent blindness from Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Month, so we’re encouraging all those over age 60, and who have had a blur or blind spot in the center of their vision to schedule a comprehensive eye evaluation this month to determine if Age-Related Macular Degeneration could be affecting your vision.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss for those 60 years of age and older in the United States. In fact, 10-15 million individuals have AMD…but only 10% have “wet” AMD – a case where abnormal blood vessels break underneath the retina, bleed and leak fluid, causing the retina to grow towards the macula. However, most cases are the dry type – where small, white or yellow spots, called drusen, form on the retina and beneath the macula, causing it to deteriorate over time.

Regardless of the type, Age-Related Macular Degeneration is a gradual, progressive, painless deterioration of the macula, which is the center of the retina that gives us our detailed vision; the vision that gives us the ability to do see fine details when we do activities such as read, drive, watch TV, and attend to crafts and other hobbies. The retina is like the film in a camera – it records what we see – however, the macula is what gives those images the crisp, fine detail. So, if the camera is blurry, the image isn’t going to very good!

Although AMD is the leading cause of blindness amongst older Americans, new treatments have dramatically changed the course of this disease, making it more manageable than ever before. Brooks Eye Associates has reserved special times throughout the month for patients who are experiencing “fuzzy” vision, to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Our evaluations also include a thorough evaluation of your eyes for other signs of retinal diseases such as cataracts, dry eye, and other refractive errors.

Brooks Eye Associates is proud to be listed as one of the few comprehensive eye centers in the state of Texas to offer patients the benefits of a board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Dain Brooks. Along with his expertise, and our new, top of the line equipment, we have set out to preserve and prolong your vision in the fight against Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Annual comprehensive evaluations are covered under most insurance plans, so save your vision through early diagnosis and treatment. Call our offices today at (972) 403-1110 to schedule your evaluation!

]]>https://www.brookseyemd.com/february-is-age-related-macular-degeneration-month/feed/0We Are Moving!!!https://www.brookseyemd.com/we-are-moving/ https://www.brookseyemd.com/we-are-moving/#respondWed, 05 Dec 2018 19:32:26 +0000https://www.brookseyemd.com/?p=2020WE ARE MOVING!!! That’s right. We’re moving! On January 11, 2019, we are saying “so long” to our old office and “hello” to our new, state-of-the-art building in North Plano. Starting January 14, 2019, our offices will be at: 9955 Gillespie Drive, Suite 100 Plano, Texas 75025 We’ve never been more excited, and we can’t […]

That’s right. We’re moving! On January 11, 2019, we are saying “so long” to our old office and “hello” to our new, state-of-the-art building in North Plano. Starting January 14, 2019, our offices will be at:

9955 Gillespie Drive, Suite 100Plano, Texas 75025

We’ve never been more excited, and we can’t wait for YOU to see it!

With 20,000 square feet of space, we are doing more than ever to serve our community. We will have 17 exam lanes, unique testing areas equipped with the latest technological advances in diagnostic equipment, a LASIK suite, a fully accredited and equipped co-located ambulatory surgery center with two operating rooms, two beautiful lobbies, a refreshment bar, tons of parking, and of course, the same great care and service you’ve come to expect from the Brooks Eye Associates Team.

DOING MORE FOR OUR PATIENTS:At Brooks Eye Associates, there is nothing more important or gratifying to us than helping people experience the gift of clear, bright and healthy vision.

EXAM LANES

We’ve nearly tripled our exam capability with 17 exam lanes open to patients. We will be able to see more patients in less time with less wait than ever before.

With two operating rooms under the same roof, we are able to provide an unparalleled experience for personal patient care that is both reliable and convenient. We will truly be a one-stop shop for all your eye health and surgical needs.

JOIN US IN THE NEW YEAR:There really has never been a better time for a fresh start. So, as 2018 wraps up and 2019 starts swinging into full gear, we hope that you and your family will join us at our new location – we are sure you’ll love it! Stay tuned for even more exciting news about our practice in March 2019!

]]>https://www.brookseyemd.com/we-are-moving/feed/0Deciding When To Have Cataract Surgeryhttps://www.brookseyemd.com/deciding-when-to-have-cataract-surgery/ https://www.brookseyemd.com/deciding-when-to-have-cataract-surgery/#respondWed, 10 Jan 2018 21:26:07 +0000https://www.brookseyemd.com/?p=1899Just because you have a cataract does not necessarily mean you need surgery. In many cases, patients live for months or even years without serious vision problems related to their condition. However, when it starts interfering with your daily activities, it might be time to consider surgery as an option. The decision to have cataract […]

]]>Just because you have a cataract does not necessarily mean you need surgery. In many cases, patients live for months or even years without serious vision problems related to their condition. However, when it starts interfering with your daily activities, it might be time to consider surgery as an option.

The decision to have cataract surgery should be made between you and your doctor. Your Dallas/Fort Worth cataract surgeon should ask you to consider certain questions before you choose to have the procedure:

· Are your vision problems preventing you from safely performing your job and driving? · Is reading or watching TV becoming an impossible task? · Are you unable to go shopping, cook, do yard work or other daily tasks without difficulty? · Are you unable to see faces clearly? · Is the glare from headlights making it hard for you to drive at night? · Is your vision making it difficult for you to maintain an independent lifestyle?

]]>https://www.brookseyemd.com/deciding-when-to-have-cataract-surgery/feed/0Women’s Eye Diseasehttps://www.brookseyemd.com/womens-eye-disease/ https://www.brookseyemd.com/womens-eye-disease/#respondWed, 27 Dec 2017 21:24:20 +0000https://www.brookseyemd.com/?p=1897More than 4.4 million Americans age 40 and older suffer from visual impairment, including blindness, and the majority of these are women, according to Prevent Blindness America. Women are at a higher risk for vision loss from such diseases as cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Other factors that can increase the risk of vision problems […]

]]>More than 4.4 million Americans age 40 and older suffer from visual impairment, including blindness, and the majority of these are women, according to Prevent Blindness America. Women are at a higher risk for vision loss from such diseases as cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

Other factors that can increase the risk of vision problems in women include:

· Obesity · Smoking · Age · Poor nutrition

Women often undergo vision changes during different stages of their lives. For example, hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can lead to dry eye syndrome, and fertility treatments may cause light sensitivity due to migraines, dry and puffy eyes, and changes in eyesight.

If you are concerned with the health of your eye, be sure to contact us to schedule an examination. Please contact us today at (972) 403-1110. We will schedule an appointment with you to discuss the best option for you!